Vehicle testing is now an established industry
Most of the world's largest car component and car manufacturers have placed their winter testing operations in Norrbotten, in the municipalities of Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur, Älvsbyn, Jokkmokk and Piteå.
Much has been invested in ice rinks, garages, workshops, accommodation and offices. Services offered also include drivers for long-distance tests. Almost 20 companies operate in the industry, which did not exist 50 years ago. According to estimates made a few years ago, the test industry had an annual turnover of SEK 450 million.
In the sparsely populated municipalities of Arjeplog and Arvidsjaur, the population doubles during a few winter months. The thousands of car testers provide a boost to the restaurant and hotel industry. New air routes have been established, especially to Germany, whose car industry has long been present in the region.
It actually started in the 1960s when Volvo and Opel conducted winter tests in Arvidsjaur. In the 1970s, the German company Teldix began using a local airstrip on Lake Hornavan to test cars. In the 1980s, things took off and a new industry began to emerge.
Companies from Germany, the UK, France, the US and Japan are now here. Component companies include Bosch, Delphi, Continental Teves, Knorr Bremse, TRW Automotive, Mando and Unicia Jecs. Car brands tested in Norrbotten are BMW, Mercedes Benz, Smart, Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ford, Jaguar, Opel, Man, Porsche, Citroën, Peugeot, Renault, Scania, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen.
The testing companies now have a trade association, the Swedish Proving Ground Association (SPGA). Members include companies such as Arjeplog Test Management, Arctic Falls Proving Grounds, Cartest.se, Colmis Proving Ground, Galtis, IceMakers and Tjintokk.
Lennart Håkansson
editor@northswedenbusiness.com
